The Leopards returned to match action after 5 months of lockdown as they hosted old foes Medway United West.

The hosts had 18 available with only Ollie May missing out after attacking a hockey stick with his face, while Hayden made a long awaited return.

The Leopards started strongly as the midfield trio of Ted, Ollie & Zach Mitchell were winning the midfield battle, and we got into plenty of shooting opportunities but saw many shots blocked.

We went close to opening the scoring halfway through the half as Ollie's teasing free kick was palmed away by the keeper before Max clipped the crossbar with a cross/chip.

The hosts finally took a deserved lead as Benni found Wills down the right and his cross floated over the keeper and into the net via a deflection on the goal line - definite own goal ;-)

The goal shook the visitors into action and they had a number of good opportunities as the Leopards got a little sloppy towards the end of the half, by Ryan made 2 solid saves to preserve the lead.

In midfield, Zach W, Callum & Connor were working hard and kept the ball moving into the forwards.

Into the Second Half and the Leopards started the half strongly again, and soon double their advantage as some neat football through midfield ended with Ollie playing a delightful ball through to Michael Tinde, who poked past the onrushing keeper and into the far corner.

Moments later, came the goal of the game/week/month/season/ever as a loose ball bounced up just inside the Medway half in the inside left channel, Vincent latched onto it and from fully 40 yards launched a dipping half volley over the keeper and into the net. Every single person in attendance applauded such an outstanding goal!

And then the Leopards put the game to bed as Vincent's pass found Hayden on the edge of the area, he slipped in Michael who slotted past the keeper.

Medway then grabbed a fortunate consolation but one they probably deserved, as Ryan's clearance cannoned off the back of the forward and rolled into the unguarded net.

The hosts nearly added to their tally as Luke latched onto a loose ball in the box and his effort from a tight angle found the outside of the post.

The visitors threatened a few times on the break but the defensive unit of Teddy, Josh, Joseph & Brick were solid.

The Leopards did make it 5 just before the end as Ryan's long ball forward run through to Max who held off the challenge of Michael (searching for his hat trick goal!!!), and drilling into the bottom left corner.

Coaches Thoughts
Overall an excellent performance from the boys, and more than deserved the victory.
We played some lovely football after a long 5 months off, and scored some excellent goals.
A few bits to work on, particularly without the football, but a decent return all in all.

Real 60 Football Club

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